Senior Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Guest & Host

Airbnb; United States; Remote; USD 244,000 - 305,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbnb is seeking a Senior Staff Machine Learning Engineer for Guest & Host, with remote‑eligible work in the USA. You will architect and deploy advanced ML systems, including recommendation engines, ranking, and intent detection, while driving the integration of intelligent features across Airbnb's platforms.

You will lead ML, data and product engineers, mentor teams, and help raise the AI/ML skill level across the organization.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of software engineering experience with leadership in large systems
• Background designing scalable AI/ML systems and services
• Experience owning and fostering engineering maturity across organizations
• Strong communication and mentorship skills

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement advanced ML solutions (recommendations, ranking, intent detection)
• Lead ML, Data and Product engineers to production
• Spearhead ML applications in Messaging & Notifications to improve guest/host experiences
• Shape ideas from inception to production and deliver high-impact results

Skills

ML system design

Engineering leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Scalable AI

Product mindset

Job description

Senior Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Guest & Host

Remote - USA

Role overview

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

The Community You Will Join:

We connect Airbnb’s community with the right information, in the right place, at the right time. We tailor Messaging & Notifications so hosts on Airbnb can streamline their operations, and travelers get just the information they need to enjoy their stay worry-free.

Additionally, we are building new connections within our community to help enrich the experience of hosting & traveling on Airbnb: easing the process of hosting, and adding meaning to our guest’s trips.

The Difference You Will Make:

We believe our current customer experiences in these domains are only scratching the surface of the innovations that are possible, and that science is at the heart of delivering a step‑function change for our Guest and and Host on Airbnb.

You will architect and implement advanced machine learning solutions—including recommendation engines, ranking systems, intent detection models, and the integration of intelligence into existing platforms. Additionally, you’ll lead efforts to harness the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) to create transformative AI experiences.

Many of the initiatives you’ll tackle are in their early conceptual stages. You will have the opportunity to shape these ideas from inception to production, turning visionary concepts into impactful realities. You will be leading ML, Data and Product engineers to drive ML applications.

A core focus of your work will be spearheading Machine Learning applications in Messaging and Notification—a high‑impact area with significant potential to enhance guest and host experiences at Airbnb.

A Typical Day:

• Envision, champion, and support the development of novel ML systems, product integrations, and performance optimizations to solve real‑world problems
• Lead, mentor, challenge and grow enthusiastic, collaborative software engineers and applied scientists across the organization
• Raise the AI/ML skillset within the organization. A passion for teaching/mentoring is important.

Your Expertise:

• 12+ years of software engineering experience, with 2+ years of experience in a Principal or Senior Staff Engineer role having ownership responsibility over large‑scale software systems
• Background in the design and development of scalable AI and ML systems and services, and a deep passion for building ML-powered products
• You’re an inspiring colleague, a coach and mentor with experience owning and fostering engineering maturity in multiple organizations.
• You’re a builder, and implementer, who seeks out high impact work, and who is: proactive, curious, and an excellent communicator

Your Location:

This position is US - Remote Eligible. The role may include occasional work at an Airbnb office or attendance at offsites, as agreed to with your manager. While the position is Remote Eligible, you must live in a state where Airbnb, Inc. has a registered entity. Click here for the up-to-date list of excluded states. This list is continuously evolving, so please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list. If your position is employed by another Airbnb entity, your recruiter will inform you what states you are eligible to work from.

Our Commitment To Inclusion & Belonging:

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively-led people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We strive to also provide a disability inclusive application and interview process. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in order to submit an application, please contact us at: [e-mail]. Please include your full name, the role you’re applying for and the accommodation necessary to assist you with the recruiting process.

We ask that you only reach out to us if you are a candidate whose disability prevents you from being able to complete our online application.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Airbnb values diversity & belonging and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All individuals seeking employment at Airbnb are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic.

How We'll Take Care of You:

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits.

Pay Range

$244,000—$305,000 USD